UK to Work With 'Taliban' Should They Enter Afghan Government
The British Secretary of State for Defense says that his government will "work with the Taliban should they enter the government in Afghanistan."
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UK Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace
UK Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace said, "The Government will work with the Taliban should they enter the government in Afghanistan."
"Whatever the government of the day is, provided it adheres to certain international norms, the UK Government will engage with it," Wallace added in an interview published by The Telegraph.
The British Secretary of State for Defense also said, "What [the Taliban] desperately want is international recognition. They need to unlock financing and support [for] nation-building."
"You have to be a partner for peace otherwise you risk isolation. Isolation led them to where they were last time," Wallace asserted.
However, he warned that the United Kingdom will review its relations with the Taliban "if they behave in a way that is seriously against human rights."
Wallace called on the Taliban and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to work together to bring stability to the conflict-stricken country after decades of destruction.
As the foreign forces withdraw from Afghanistan, the Taliban is making serious advances all around the country.
Lately, the Taliban published videos showing their control of the largest military base of Zabul Province, confirming its growing control in Afghanistan.
Since May, the Taliban seized large regions and approached several major cities such as Qala-e-Naw, which has a population of about 75,000. They also announced that they assumed control of Badghis Province.
